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The UFC head to Argentina for the first time in promotion history as UFC Fight Night 140 unfolds at the Parque Roca Arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Neil Magny vs Santiago Ponzinibbio
Neil Magny vs Santiago Ponzinibbio
Moneyline Odds: Magny +215, Ponzinibbio -255
Over/Under Odds: Over 2.5 +115, Under 2.5 -145
Odds from betonline.ag as of 11/16/18
Because it’s in Argentina and it’s the UFC’s first time there, it was but fitting that UFC matchmakers designated hometown fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio to headline the event. Ponzinibbio has racked up six straight victories and is on the verge of stardom. A victory over 8th ranked Neil Magny would surely put Gente Boa amongst contenders.
Like Ponzinibbio, Neil Magny is an alum from the UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter show. The Brooklyn native lost his first two bouts after the reality show but then racked up seven straight wins that put him in title contendership. But the streak would end there as Magny would lose to Demian Maia at UFC 190. Magny would bounce back with wins over Erick Silva, Kelvin Gastelum and Hector Lombard but again, a loss to Lorenz Larkin would stop Magny from getting close to a title shot.
Who Wins?
Magny has a huge size advantage over Ponzinibbio as he is three inches taller and seven inches longer than Gente Boa. Magny’s length has always made it difficult to figure him, much more defeat him. I’m guessing that Ponzinibbio is going to struggle early on but given his high fight IQ, I think Gente Boa is going to figure out Magny and overwhelm him once he does. It’s not a lock as Magny’s wrestling gives me worries. But Ponzinibbio has solid defensive grappling too so that should equalize. Overall, I like Ponzinibbio because he has a more diverse striking attack and has more punching power than Magny.
We’re picking Santiago Ponzinibbio to win by third round stoppage.
Magny is a difficult read and as such, it’s going to take a while for Ponzinibbio to figure him out. The first round should be a feeling out round while Magny will continue to put the pressure on Ponzinibbio in round two. In Round three I think Ponzinibbio starts to dominate and takes Magny late in the third round.
Prediction: Over + 2.5 rounds
Ricardo Lamas vs Darren Elkins
Ricardo Lamas vs Darren Elkins
Moneyline Odds: Lamas -181, Elkins +156
Over/Under Odds: Over 2.5 -260, Under 2.5 +200
Odds from betonline.ag as of 11/16/18
In the co-main event, former featherweight title contender Ricardo Lamas hopes to snap a two game losing skid against Darren Elkins.
Ricardo Lamas was one of the holdovers when the UFC absorbed the WEC. After four straight wins to begin his UFC career, Lamas earned a title shot against Jose Aldo. Of course, Aldo was indestructible at that time so Lamas lost to the Brazilian at UFC 169. Since that fight, Lamas has gone 5-5 in the UFC and is coming off back to back losses.
Darren Elkins is the underdog in this bout and that’s weird because Lamas has lost two in a row and the Bully also lost to Mirsad Bektic, a guy whom The Damage knocked out in three rounds back at UFC 209. Elkins has a two inch height advantage over Lamas but both have a reach of 71 and Lamas is older by two years.
Who Wins?
I won’t be surprised in Ricardo Lamas walks away with a sensational knockout win here because the Bully has the punching power and pressure attack to catch Elkins clean. But remember that the last time Elkins has been knocked out was in 2013 by Chad Mendes.
What I’m more concerned with though is Lamas’ ability to survive Elkins’ grinding pace. I’m not sure if he has the stamina nor the wrestling ability to keep up with Elkins on the ground. Lamas looked like he is past his prime in his last two bout while Elkins has never looked better. Both fighters are headed the opposite direction and I’m picking the one going up and fighting well as of late.
Prediction: Darren Elkins by decision
Lamas has KO power but as we said earlier, the last time Elkins was stopped was in 2013 by Chad Mendes. As for Elkins, he’s going to use his wrestling strengths here to frustrate Lamas and get the win on points.
Prediction: Over 2.5
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